"We've given up the right to chose the people that could come to New Zealand," he said.

Green Party immigration spokeswoman Jan Logie said the strength of multiple damning international reports on Australia's policy meant Key needed to see the conditions in the offshore detention centres first-hand, instead of relying on Gillard's word.

"The Government needs to take a stand against this inhumane Australian policy, not adopt it for its own use," Logie said.

"New Zealanders rightly expect that people seeking asylum from hardship be treated with respect."